New York Red Bulls

Brek Shea is prominently featured in a USA Today story discussing the rise of young stars in MLS. New York Red Bulls player Juan Agudelo is the other player discussed. Both, of course, will be on the pitch this Sunday for First Kick at FC Dallas Stadium. Read the whole story, but here's an excerpt:

Glimpse deeper into the F.C. Dallas and New York Red Bulls match during Major League Soccer's opening weekend, and you'll discover a trend quietly hidden amid fans' screams for names such as David Beckham and Thierry Henry.

There is a youth movement in American soccer, and it's being led by players such as F.C. Dallas winger Brek Shea, 22, and New York Red Bulls striker Juan Agudelo, 19. The teams play Sunday (3 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network).

Starting in 2007, MLS has made a push to develop young talent within its clubs. Known as the Homegrown Player Initiative, the onus was placed on teams to develop top young players in their markets.

Shea, a Texas native, developed under the watch of U.S. Soccer in the youth national team residency program in Bradenton, Fla.

We're two and a half weeks away from First Kick at FC Dallas Stadium between FCD and New York Red Bulls. It's, of course, the first game on NBCSN as part of the new TV contract MLS signed with the network. This commercial started airing this week in anticipation of the new season. Look for FCD's Brek Shea in the spot: